HURRICANE, W.Va. — Without marking a birdie on his scorecard over the first seven holes in the final round of the 92nd West Virginia Open, three-time tournament champion Christian Brand struggled to find some momentum playing on his home course at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club.
Three birdies over his final eleven holes and a string of great par saves allowed the Capital High School and Marshall University graduate to win his fourth state open title in the last twelve years.
“Usually through seven holes, let’s be honest, I have usually made a few birdies,” Brand said. “I had none today. So I had to separate that and understand that it is a new week.
“I have learned to love the nerves and being able to deal with it.”
Brand finished the 54-hole event at 11-under par, two strokes ahead of former champions Ryan Bilby and Ken Hess. This is Brand’s first WV Open title since fully returning to amateur status. He previously played professionally on the Web.com Tour.
After playing the first nine holes at even par, Brand took the lead that he would not relinquish after making a birdie on the 13th hole. He was able to maintain a two-shot lead over the final three holes.
“I am notorious for making it hard on myself. And I did that today. We stayed within the process. We grinded it out and made a lot of really hard pars. That kept us in the golf tournament. When you add them all up, sometimes you are the champion.”
Brand lives in Hurricane and is a member at Sleepy Hollow.
“My business is three-quarters of a mile that way and my house is three-quarters of a mile that way. Having it here at home with all my friends and family is as special as you can imagine.”
Brand credited his caddy, South Harrison High School alumnus Jason Grimmett, for guiding him through the tournament. Grimmett caddied for Brand when they reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 United States Amateur.
“He has caddied for me in a bunch of different things. He caddied for me in the U.S. Amateur when we had a nice run last year. We know our process works. We just have to get into it. Once it gets rolling, it is really tough to beat.”
Brand also won the WV Open in 2014, 2015 and 2022.
“You start to get into a little bit of rare air. That really means a lot to me. I am a very, very, very proud West Virginian. I think our state, when we produce something great, we need to hold onto it. I love saying that I am from here when I go and compete nationally. Things like this really resonate with me.”
Bilby and Hess each finished tied for second at 9-under. Sam O’Dell climbed the leaderboard over the final round to finish fourth at 8-under. Chris Williams and Nick Dent each finished tied for fifth at 7-under.
12-time champion David Bradshaw finished tied for seventh place with Thadd Obecny II, Will Evans and Zach Chapman.